Opinion

Renewable energy bill clears 1 hurdle in Colorado

DENVER—A bill that would dramatically raise renewable energy requirements for Colorado's rural cooperative electric associations has cleared a hurdle in the state House.

The bill requires the electricity co-ops to get 25 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020, up from 10 percent. The measure previously passed the Senate by a single vote, despite opposition from all Republicans and two Democrats.

The measure limits consumer rate hikes to pay for the renewable energy upgrade to 2 percent. But the co-ops affected warn it would drive up prices for mostly rural customers.

The bill also expands the definition of renewable energy to include coal-mine methane and gas produced from solid waste.

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story

Sufjan Stevens, "Carrie & Lowell" (Asthmatic Kitty) Plucked strings and pulsing keyboards dominate the distinctive arrangements on Sufjan Stevens' latest album, and in the absence of a rhythm section, they serve to keep time. Full Story